The short version: we collect only what you volunteer (a contact message), we use it only to reply to you, we never sell anything to anyone, and you can have your data deleted by simply asking.
1. Who we are
Names That Means (namesthatmeans.com) is an independent educational website about the origins and meanings of names. When this policy says "we," "us," or "our," it refers to the Names That Means editorial team. For any privacy question, write to hello@namesthatmeans.com.
2. Information we collect
We collect the minimum information needed to run the site:
- Contact form submissions — your name, email address, subject selection, and message, sent voluntarily by you so we can reply.
- Basic analytics — anonymized, aggregate usage data (pages viewed, approximate geography, device type) that cannot identify you as an individual.
- Server logs — standard technical logs (IP address, browser, timestamps) retained briefly for security and abuse prevention.
3. How we use your information
We use the information above to:
- Reply to your questions, correction suggestions, and guide requests.
- Understand which guides readers find useful so we can improve the archive.
- Protect the site from spam, abuse, and security threats.
4. What we never do
We never sell your personal information. We never rent, trade, or share your email address with advertisers. We never send marketing for third parties. Your message to us stays between us.
5. Cookies
This site uses only strictly necessary technical storage where required for basic operation. If we ever introduce analytics cookies, they will be aggregate and anonymized, and this policy will be updated with a visible date. You can block or delete cookies anytime in your browser settings; the site will keep working without them.
6. Data storage & security
The contact form simply opens your own email app, so nothing you type is stored on this website. Messages you send us arrive as ordinary emails in our editorial inbox, which only the editorial lead can access. We keep correspondence only as long as a conversation is active.
7. Third-party services
Pages may display fonts served by Google Fonts and imagery from stock photography providers (for example Pexels, which provides royalty-free photography under its license). These services may receive standard technical requests (like your IP address) when their files load. We do not embed advertising trackers.
8. Your rights
Depending on where you live (including under GDPR and similar laws), you may have the right to:
- Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Ask us to correct inaccurate data.
- Ask us to delete your data.
- Object to or restrict how we process it.
- Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
9. Children's privacy
Names That Means is a general-audience educational site and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has sent us personal data, contact hello@namesthatmeans.com and we will delete it promptly.
10. Changes to this policy
If we change this policy, the updated version will appear on this page with a new 'last updated' date. Continued use of the site after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.
11. Contact
Privacy questions, data requests, or deletion asks: email hello@namesthatmeans.com or use the contact form at https://namesthatmeans.com/contact. We respond within 2 business days.